ESP-01 - Revision history

ErnieHorning: ErnieHorning moved page ESP8266 Basics to ESP-01

2026-07-24T19:44:31Z

ErnieHorning moved page ESP8266 Basics to ESP-01

ErnieHorning: ErnieHorning moved page ESP Basics to ESP8266 Basics: Renamed because there's more than one ESP microcontroller now.

2026-07-20T13:22:15Z

ErnieHorning moved page ESP Basics to ESP8266 Basics: Renamed because there's more than one ESP microcontroller now.

ErnieHorning: Updated the ESP Basics page to reflect current ESP8266 usage. Modernized information about power requirements, Wi-Fi behavior, flash memory, and module availability, added a comparison between the ESP8266 and ESP32, and removed outdated hardware-specific references while preserving the original purpose of the article.

2026-07-20T13:20:27Z

Updated the ESP Basics page to reflect current ESP8266 usage. Modernized information about power requirements, Wi-Fi behavior, flash memory, and module availability, added a comparison between the ESP8266 and ESP32, and removed outdated hardware-specific references while preserving the original purpose of the article.

Dirknerkle at 17:34, 16 April 2026

2026-04-16T17:34:35Z

Dirknerkle at 17:31, 16 April 2026

2026-04-16T17:31:48Z

Dirknerkle at 16:41, 10 December 2018

2018-12-10T16:41:48Z

Dirknerkle at 15:38, 10 December 2018

2018-12-10T15:38:19Z

Dirknerkle at 15:36, 10 December 2018

2018-12-10T15:36:20Z

Dirknerkle at 15:34, 10 December 2018

2018-12-10T15:34:25Z

Dirknerkle at 15:32, 10 December 2018

2018-12-10T15:32:33Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-The ESP8266 chip incorporates complete WiFi capability in a tiny package that's about 1/4" square. The chip is used on several versions of ESP modules, such as the popular and inexpensive ESP-01 version, shown below:
+The ESP8266 was introduced in 2013 and became one of the first inexpensive Wi-Fi microcontrollers widely adopted by the DIY holiday lighting community. Although newer ESP32-based modules are now common, the ESP8266 remains widely used in many controllers because of its low cost, simplicity, and excellent software support.
 [[file:Esp8266_module.jpg | 256px]]
@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 :* It is a 3.3v chip. It does not tolerate higher voltages well, even for short periods of time. Before connecting to an ESP module, verify that your voltage is 3.3v or the chip may be damaged as soon as power is applied.
-:* It is power-hungry: it generally requires 250-300ma of current during startup and operation. If the available current drops out of the required range, the ESP module usually disconnects from any network connection; afterwards, it does not reconnect on its own and usually must be restarted.
+:* The ESP8266 is a 3.3V device. During Wi-Fi transmissions it can draw current bursts approaching 300mA, so a stable 3.3V power supply with adequate current capacity is essential.
-:* It usually connects to an access point or wireless router rather quickly, but if it can't find one within 4-5 seconds, it gives up trying and power-cycling the unit is about the only way to restart it.
+:* Modern firmware such as ESPixelStick and WLED automatically reconnects to configured Wi-Fi networks if the connection is lost. During initial configuration, many firmware versions can also create their own temporary access point if no configured network is found.
 :* Several manufacturers produce modules that incorporate the ESP8266 chip; not all are the same. For example, some may provide two LEDs on the module, one for power and one that monitors the TX line while other manufacturers may use only one LED that serves both functions. Therefore, the LED display from one can appear completely different than another, leading you to believe the module may not be functioning properly when it's perfectly fine.
@@ Line 17: / Line 17: @@
 :* The modules are relatively easily damaged by static electricity, power surges or rough handling. Plugging a new module into a live circuit is generally not a good idea.
-:* As they can be quite inexpensive (< $2 each) having several replacement spares is a good idea, especially for an experimenter. Virtually all of them are manufactured in China, so allow for adequate delivery time.
+:* ESP8266 modules remain inexpensive and are available from many online electronics suppliers. Keeping a few spare modules on hand is recommended for experimentation and repairs.
-:* The modules use an external flash memory chip which is key to the operation of the ESP8266 chip. Users have experienced problems with modules manufactured with the PUYA memory chip. The symptoms are that either one can't connect to the chip or that the chip's SPIFFS memory cannot be used, which may be a requirement for some versions of custom ESP firmware (such as the ESPixelStick firmware). Modules known to be suitable for use have the BGMicro, cFEON or WinBond memory chips (there may also be other types that are acceptable).
+:* Different ESP8266 modules may include varying amounts of flash memory. Before installing firmware, verify that the module provides sufficient flash memory for the intended application.
-:* The blue modules generally have 512k memory; black modules usually have 1m or greater memory. The black ESP-01S modules have larger memory and can accommodate the version 4 ESPixelStick firmware. (The ESPixelStick firmware requires 1mb or greater memory).
+:* Modern ESP-01S modules typically include 1MB or more of flash memory, making them suitable for many current ESP8266 firmware applications, including ESPixelStick.

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:34, 16 April 2026
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	:* The modules use an external flash memory chip which is key to the operation of the ESP8266 chip. Users have experienced problems with modules manufactured with the PUYA memory chip. The symptoms are that either one can't connect to the chip or that the chip's SPIFFS memory cannot be used, which may be a requirement for some versions of custom ESP firmware (such as the ESPixelStick firmware). Modules known to be suitable for use have the BGMicro, cFEON or WinBond memory chips (there may also be other types that are acceptable).		:* The modules use an external flash memory chip which is key to the operation of the ESP8266 chip. Users have experienced problems with modules manufactured with the PUYA memory chip. The symptoms are that either one can't connect to the chip or that the chip's SPIFFS memory cannot be used, which may be a requirement for some versions of custom ESP firmware (such as the ESPixelStick firmware). Modules known to be suitable for use have the BGMicro, cFEON or WinBond memory chips (there may also be other types that are acceptable).

−	:* The blue modules generally have 512k memory; black modules usually have 1m or greater memory. The black 01S modules ~~sometimes~~ have larger memory. (The ESPixelStick firmware requires ~~the larger~~ memory).	+	:* The blue modules generally have 512k memory; black modules usually have 1m or greater memory. The black ESP-01S modules have larger memory and can accommodate the version 4 ESPixelStick firmware. (The ESPixelStick firmware requires 1mb or greater memory).

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:31, 16 April 2026
Line 21:		Line 21:
	:* The modules use an external flash memory chip which is key to the operation of the ESP8266 chip. Users have experienced problems with modules manufactured with the PUYA memory chip. The symptoms are that either one can't connect to the chip or that the chip's SPIFFS memory cannot be used, which may be a requirement for some versions of custom ESP firmware (such as the ESPixelStick firmware). Modules known to be suitable for use have the BGMicro, cFEON or WinBond memory chips (there may also be other types that are acceptable).		:* The modules use an external flash memory chip which is key to the operation of the ESP8266 chip. Users have experienced problems with modules manufactured with the PUYA memory chip. The symptoms are that either one can't connect to the chip or that the chip's SPIFFS memory cannot be used, which may be a requirement for some versions of custom ESP firmware (such as the ESPixelStick firmware). Modules known to be suitable for use have the BGMicro, cFEON or WinBond memory chips (there may also be other types that are acceptable).

−	:* The blue modules generally have 512k memory; black modules usually have 1m or greater memory. (The ESPixelStick firmware requires the larger memory).	+	:* The blue modules generally have 512k memory; black modules usually have 1m or greater memory. The black 01S modules sometimes have larger memory. (The ESPixelStick firmware requires the larger memory).

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 :* It is a 3.3v chip. It does not tolerate higher voltages well, even for short periods of time. Before connecting to an ESP module, verify that your voltage is 3.3v or the chip may be damaged as soon as power is applied.
-:* It is power-hungry: it generally requires 250-300ma of current during startup and operation. If the available current drops out of the required range, the ESP module generally disconnects from any network connection; afterwards, it does not reconnect on its own and usually must be restarted.
+:* It is power-hungry: it generally requires 250-300ma of current during startup and operation. If the available current drops out of the required range, the ESP module usually disconnects from any network connection; afterwards, it does not reconnect on its own and usually must be restarted.
-:* It usually connects to an access point or wireless router rather quickly, but if it can't find one within 4-5 seconds, it generally gives up trying and power-cycling the unit is about the only way to restart it.
+:* It usually connects to an access point or wireless router rather quickly, but if it can't find one within 4-5 seconds, it gives up trying and power-cycling the unit is about the only way to restart it.
 :* Several manufacturers produce modules that incorporate the ESP8266 chip; not all are the same. For example, some may provide two LEDs on the module, one for power and one that monitors the TX line while other manufacturers may use only one LED that serves both functions. Therefore, the LED display from one can appear completely different than another, leading you to believe the module may not be functioning properly when it's perfectly fine.

@@ Line 9: / Line 9: @@
 :* It is a 3.3v chip. It does not tolerate higher voltages well, even for short periods of time. Before connecting to an ESP module, verify that your voltage is 3.3v or the chip may be damaged as soon as power is applied.
-:* It is power-hungry: it generally requires 250-300ma of current during operation. If the available current drops out of the required range, the ESP module generally disconnects from any network connection; afterwards, it does not reconnect on its own and usually must be restarted.
+:* It is power-hungry: it generally requires 250-300ma of current during startup and operation. If the available current drops out of the required range, the ESP module generally disconnects from any network connection; afterwards, it does not reconnect on its own and usually must be restarted.
 :* It usually connects to an access point or wireless router rather quickly, but if it can't find one within 4-5 seconds, it generally gives up trying and power-cycling the unit is about the only way to restart it.

← Older revision	Revision as of 19:44, 24 July 2026
(No difference)

← Older revision	Revision as of 13:22, 20 July 2026
(No difference)

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:34, 10 December 2018
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	:* The modules use an external flash memory chip which is key to the operation of the ESP8266 chip. Users have experienced problems with modules manufactured with the PUYA memory chip. The symptoms are that either one can't connect to the chip or that the chip's SPIFFS memory cannot be used, which may be a requirement for some versions of custom ESP firmware (such as the ESPixelStick firmware).		:* The modules use an external flash memory chip which is key to the operation of the ESP8266 chip. Users have experienced problems with modules manufactured with the PUYA memory chip. The symptoms are that either one can't connect to the chip or that the chip's SPIFFS memory cannot be used, which may be a requirement for some versions of custom ESP firmware (such as the ESPixelStick firmware).
		+
		+	:* The blue modules generally have 512k memory; black modules usually have 1m or greater memory. (The ESPixelStick firmware requires the larger memory).